Not always. I do a fingure stick whenever I think the cgm seems off!
May 25
@A DiabetesTeam Member. Cool dies anyone know if libre can be calibrated like that
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A Diabete...
May 28
If you have a Dexcom 7 you can actually calibrate the sensor based on finger stick results. I usually finger test at least twice before calibrating my sensor
May 28
What I meant was will there always be a 20 point difference?
May 21
Great question! The short answer is: not necessarily. The gap between a CGM and a finger stick reading can vary from day to day and isn't always consistent.
Here's why the two readings can differ:
- They measure different things — a finger stick measures glucose directly from your blood, while a CGM measures glucose from Show Full Answer
Great question! The short answer is: not necessarily. The gap between a CGM and a finger stick reading can vary from day to day and isn't always consistent.
Here's why the two readings can differ:
- They measure different things — a finger stick measures glucose directly from your blood, while a CGM measures glucose from the fluid between your cells (interstitial fluid), which naturally lags slightly behind blood glucose
- CGMs can be less accurate at extreme highs or lows — when blood sugar is very high or very low, the difference between the two readings can be bigger
- Finger stick accuracy can also vary — things like unwashed hands, squeezing your finger too hard, or cold hands can affect the reading The 20-point difference this morning doesn't mean it will always be exactly 20 points off. The gap can shrink or grow depending on the situation.
A good rule of thumb: if a CGM reading seems unusual or doesn't match how you're feeling, confirm it with a finger stick before making any decisions about insulin or food. Always loop in your doctor if the differences seem frequent or large, as it may be worth reviewing your diabetes management plan.
May 21
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